Combine the Fountain of Youth, bottled energy, and. a master class in cabaret. The result: Chita Rivera, singer, dancer and actress, exhibiting all these talents on stage at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency. Returning after an absence of two-and-a-half years, she presented one of the most entertaining and professional shows ever to grace that tiny stage. Performing with endearing openness and passion, with her still-lithe dancer’s body that wouldn’t stay still, Chita filled the room with sheer joy – hers as performer, ours as audience. Of course, she performed several of her signature songs, such as “A Boy Like That” and “America,” from West Side Story  – from half a century ago! – however, not as nostalgia but as electric as if she were on a theater stage today. Ditto several songs associated with Gwen Verdon, such as "Big Spender," the moving "Where Am I Going," and – complete with top hat and cane – "Nowadays." Many quieter numbers included "Not Exactly Paris," James Taylor’s "The Secret O' Life" and, as a sweet finale, Carol Hall’s "Circle of Friends." A gem of a show, worthy of its own theater run.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
November 9, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org